When it comes to RPGs with impressive scopes and dedicated fanbases, CD Projekt Red's The Witcher and Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 are among the most memorable. Whether it's Red Dead Redemption 2's groundbreaking visuals or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's expansive story, both IPs know how to wow players and make an impact. They may have two completely different worlds that explore vastly different settings and subject matter, but the main characters at the heart of each game also have some surprising similarities.
For a long time, male protagonists that fronted action-focused games didn't have a lot to differentiate them. They had a tendency to be one-note and generic but as the medium progressed, the complexity of the characters improved. The Witcher and Red Dead Redemption 2 push the boundaries of their genres and, in many ways, are the epitome of how far video games have come in the past few decades. But even with their originality and nuance, both Geralt and Arthur Morgan fill a very similar niche.
Geralt and Arthur Morgan's Roles
Protagonists that have flamboyant or charismatic personalities can be a lot of fun, but they can sometimes hog the spotlight and don't tend to co-exist well with larger narratives full of other characters and storylines. For games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher, their very specific type of main character blends perfectly with the kind of narratives that they want to tell. Action games are no stranger to the seemingly impassive, gruff leading man who exists in a morally gray area.
They're clearly the hero of the story they exist in, but this can be complicated by a heavy dose of anti-hero energy as well. They might not often open up about their pasts, but it's clear that these men have been through a lot. This world-weary attitude adds to their unpolished charm and makes them likable almost despite themselves.
Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher series are hardly comparable when it comes to their stories. One is about slaying monsters, and the other is about dealing with monsters that in many ways are more metaphorical. However, it's unlikely that either would be as successful as it is without main characters like Arthur Morgan and Geralt. They're the ideal conduit for players who are experiencing their respective worlds—conveying their narratives, creating compelling arcs, and not getting in the way of the action. That's not to say there aren't lighter sides to these characters too, but that just adds another dimension to the trope of the strong silent type.
Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher's Brand of Protagonist
If there was one word that perfectly sums up both Arthur Morgan and Geralt, it's probably stoic. They have that impenetrable gruff exterior that hides a wealth of pain and torment, with only glimpses of their emotions rising to the surface every now and again. Despite their reserved and occasionally violent personas, both men can be fiercely loyal and protective of those around them, and these relationships often drive the narrative of their games and provide the emotional heart at their center.
They can be ruthless, but there's always another side to them that makes their depictions nuanced instead of flat. Players may have a hand in deciding how their protagonists act to some extent, but who these men are is central to their games irrespective of gamer choices. That being said, whether players decide they want to pursue a more honorable path or embrace their darker side, either approach still fits seamlessly with Arthur Morgan and Geralt's portrayals.
Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher are able to undermine traditional masculinity, while still containing characters that in many ways are defined by the attributes that are so often considered masculine. This is one of the ways in which Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher remain timeless as well as inventive, and help them stick in the mind of players.